Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA369

Bruington, VA, USA

Aircraft #1

N8090X

CESSNA 172

Analysis

The pilot reported that, after taking off from an unimproved gravel surface in a field, he did not feel comfortable with the airplane's performance, so he chose to abort the takeoff. The airplane touched down on soft dirt, and the nose landing gear then dug into the dirt and separated from the airplane. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that, after taking off from an unimproved gravel surface in a field, he did not feel comfortable with the airplane's performance and aborted the departure. The airplane touchdown in a pasture, the nose landing gear dug into soft dirt and separated from the airplane. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s improper decision to abort the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining to safely stop the airplane.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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